Glasses comprising biosensors

ABSTRACT

Glasses that are provided with biosensors for detecting signals and are in contact with the user&#39;s head are described, which glasses comprise a front frame ( 2 ) for supporting respective lenses ( 4 ), a pair of sides ( 6 ) articulated to the frame ( 2 ) on laterally opposing sides, and a nasal-bearing device ( 8 ), a pair of sensors ( 10   a,    11   a ) being integrated in the nasal-bearing device ( 8 ) in order to make contact with the surface of the nose, a third sensor ( 12 ) being mounted in the centre of the nasal-bearing device ( 8 ) in order to make contact with the surface of the face in the zone of the bridge of the nose, and each of the sides ( 6 ) comprising a side body ( 6   a ) extending into an end side portion in which a particular sensor that makes contact with the head is integrated.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to glasses comprising biosensors havingthe characteristics stated in the preamble of the main claim, claim 1.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

The invention falls within the specific technical field of glasses thatcomprise biosensors integrated in the front frame and/or on the lateralsides thereof; the term “biosensor” meaning a sensor for detectingelectrical signals relating to vital functions, for example brainfunctions, by means of the localised sensor contact in particular zonesof the surface of the head.

The use of sensors of this type on the frames of glasses is becomingwidespread, in particular due to the potential advantageous applicationsthat may derive from diagnosing the vital functions in general, inparticular brain functions. In fact, sensors of this type make itpossible, for example, to detect changes in brainwaves(electroencephalography), the position of the eyes (electrooculography),contractions of the muscles around the eyes (electromyography), andheart functions (electrocardiography).

The knowledge of the state of these functions that can be easilydetected by means of the sensors, which are suitably integrated in theframe, as a result of the localised contact between said sensors and theuser's head, advantageously makes it possible to take action to controland monitor the mental-physical states of the person, in order ifnecessary to be able to correct or advise of situations that put theperson's health and safety at risk. Take the monitoring of states ofstress, and more generally of fatigue, for instance, which may occurwhen carrying out work, sports and recreational activities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the main object of the invention is to provide glassesprovided with biosensors, the structure and function of which aredesigned to improve the technical solutions known in the prior art, inparticular those associated with the problems relating to theintegration of the sensors in the frame components, in order to make iteasier to produce and to assemble the sensors on the glasses, whileensuring sufficient reliability and efficiency thereof and reasonablecomfort when wearing the glasses on the head, in particular where thesensor makes localised contact with the head.

This object and other objects that will become clear in the followingare achieved by the invention by means of glasses that comprisebiosensors, which are produced in accordance with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the invention will become clearer fromthe following detailed description of a number of preferred embodimentsthereof, which are shown by way of non-restrictive example withreference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of glasses according to the presentinvention,

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the glasses in FIG. 1,

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a side elevation and a plan view, respectively, of theglasses in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3A is a sectional view according to the line III-III in FIG. 3,

FIG. 4 is a perspective partially sectional and partially removed viewof the glasses in the preceding figures,

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective enlarged views of a detail of the glassesin the preceding figures,

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the detail in FIG. 5,

FIG. 8 is a sectional, enlarged view according to the line VIII-VIII inFIG. 7,

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of a component of the detail inFIG. 5,

FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic perspective views relating to steps ofproducing the detail in FIG. 5,

FIGS. 13 and 14 are side elevations of one of the lateral sides of theglasses in FIG. 1,

FIG. 14A is a plan view of the lateral side in FIG. 13,

FIGS. 15 and 16 are sectional views according to the lines XV-XV andXVI-XVI in FIG. 14, respectively,

FIG. 17 is a lateral elevation of a detail of the side in FIG. 13,

FIG. 18 is a sectional view according to the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG.17,

FIGS. 19 and 20 are partially sectional perspective views of a detail ofthe inner frame side,

FIG. 21 is a partially perspective and partially assembled enlarged viewof the frame detail in FIGS. 19 and 20,

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the entire glasses in thepreceding figures,

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible electricalcircuit integrated in the glasses in the preceding figures,

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of an electronic module intended to behoused in the frame of the glasses in the preceding figures,

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a battery, for supplying power,associated with a printed circuit board, which are intended to be housedin the frame of the glasses in the preceding figures, and

FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view, in which parts of the glasses inthe preceding figures have been detached.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the above-mentioned figures, reference numeral 1indicates glasses as a whole, which comprise biosensors and are formedin accordance with the present invention.

The glasses comprise a front frame 2 having a pair of respective rims 3for supporting corresponding lenses 4, which are connected to oneanother in the centre by a bridge 5 that extends in the nasal region.Reference numeral 6 indicates both the lateral sides of the glasses,which are hinged with respective end pieces 7 provided on laterallyopposing sides of the frame 2.

The glasses are provided with biosensors located in the central regionof the frame that rests against the nose and in the rear zone of theears, where the lateral sides rest against the user's head. In thiscontext, the term “biosensor” is understood to mean any sensor designedto detect electrical signals relating to vital functions of the person,for example brainwaves, heartbeat or other vital parameters.

As will become clear in the following, the sensors are thereforedesigned to function as electrodes that come into contact with the skinin order to detect the electrical signal and transfer it, by means of asystem of electrical-signal conductors provided in the frame, to anelectronic module provided with a circuit unit for managing the signalsdetected.

The glasses are provided with a nasal-bearing device 8, which comprisesa framework 9 that is structurally independent of the front frame 2 andcan be detachably coupled to said frame.

A first and a second nasal-bearing element 10, 11 are provided on theframework 9 so as to be opposite one another, in each of which elementsa first 10 a and a second 11 a nasal sensor is integrated, which canmake surface contact with corresponding laterally opposite zones of thenose.

A third sensor, indicated by reference numeral 12, is provided in thecentre of the framework 9, above the sensors 10 a, 11 a and at a spacingtherefrom, so as to enter into superficial contact with the face at thebridge of the nose, just below the “glabella” of the head, when theglasses are being worn.

The sensors 10 a, 11 a and 12 are advantageously made of a resilientlypliable material that is electrically conductive, for example anelectrically conductive elastomer or rubber, so as to ensure comfort andfit adaptability with regards to the bearing contact on the one hand,and for the sensors to fulfil the electrode function in order to detectthe respective signals on the other hand. In more detail, the framework9 comprises a pair of opposite arms 13, which extend with equalorientation from and are interconnected by a central plate-shapedcrosspiece 14, which is provided with a through-hole 15 in order totightly fasten the framework 9 to the inside of the front frame 2 usinga screw 16, i.e. the side facing the user's face when the glasses arebeing worn.

In an alternative variant, the screw 16 for fixing the framework 9 tothe front frame 2 can be provided in a different position, for examplein the lower part of the frame, such that the longitudinal axis of thescrew 16 is parallel to the centre line X in FIG. 7. In this case, thelongitudinal axis of the hole 15 made in the framework 9 for the screw16 to pass through is also parallel to the axis X; the correspondinghole for fixing the screw 16, which hole is made in the bridge 5, alsobeing parallel to the axis X. In this configuration, the respectivegeometry and thicknesses of the bridge 5 and of the framework 9 in therespective lower parts have to be appropriately modified with respect tothose illustrated with regard to the preferred embodiment, so as toobtain a volume of material that is sufficiently extensive in theframework and the bridge, so as to allow the screw to be inserted andgripped.

The arms 13 have mirror symmetry with respect to a median plane ofsymmetry, which is indicated by the centre line X in FIG. 7. On accountof this symmetry, only one of the arms 13 will be described in detail.

The particular nasal-bearing element 10 (11) is mounted on each arm 13,the sensor 12 (which is suitably also referred to as the “glabellasensor” in the text) extending in the form of a bridge between the arms13 and remaining at a spacing from the crosspiece 14 (protruding towardsthe face when the glasses are being worn) in order to ensure that itstays in bearing contact with the zone of the bridge of the nose, saidsensor 12 also being integrally connected to the respective arms 13 ofthe framework at its two opposite ends 12 a, 12 b.

As is clearly shown in the figures, each nasal-bearing element 10 a, 11a, in which the corresponding sensor is integrated, is shaped as a“small nose plate” so as to comfortably rest against the sides of thenose, the glabella sensor 12 in turn being “saddle” shaped in order toensure effective and comfortable contact on the bridge of the nose.

A first and a second arm portion, indicated by reference numerals 18,19, respectively, are located on each arm 13 starting from the end 13 athereof that connects to the crosspiece 14, between which portions anarm section 20 is interposed, which is larger than the portions 18, 19(the size being considered in the direction transverse to thelongitudinal extension direction of said portions). Said section 20defines on the portions 18, 19 respective surface shoulders 20 a, 20 b,against which there can stop respectively the corresponding end 12 a (12b) of the glabella sensor 12, which end is coupled to the portion 18,and the corresponding nasal sensor 10 a (11 a) that is coupled to theregion 19.

Each end 12 a, 12 b of the sensor 12 is held on the correspondingportion 18 between the shoulder 20 a and an opposite bearing surface 20c provided by the crosspiece at the upper end 13 a of the arm.

A particular limb 21, which can be received and held in a seat 22provided in the corresponding rim 3 of the frame, is provided in thesecond region 19, near to the free end of the arm 13.

In a preferred embodiment, the framework 9, the nasal-bearing elements10, 11, which form the respective sensors 10 a, 11 a, and the sensor 12are formed by means of injection-moulding plastics material and, moreparticularly, all the sensors are over-moulded on the framework.

The production process advantageously provides a first step in which theframework is formed by means of injection-moulding a rigid plasticsmaterial, the framework having a moderate degree of elastic deformationdue to its structure. In a subsequent second step, the sensors 10 a, 11a and 12 are directly over-injected on the framework 9 in thecorresponding positions in electrically conductive elastomeric materialor in conductive rubber.

In one variant, the sensors 10 a, 11 a and 12 can be formed separatelyfrom one another and from the framework 9, again by means ofinjection-moulding. The sensors are formed having attachment portionshaving cavities in the form of through-openings 23, in which thecorresponding portions 18, 19 of the arms of the framework engage with asubstantial positive fit.

In this case, the method provides a first step, as described above, inwhich the framework 9 is formed by means of injection-moulding using arigid plastics material, the framework having a moderate degree ofresilient deformation on account of its structure.

Said first step is followed by a second step in which the sensors areinjection-moulded, separately from the framework, using an electricallyconductive elastomer. In a subsequent step, the sensors are then mountedon the corresponding arms of the framework, and are fitted by means of arelative sliding movement, the regions of the arms engaging in theattachment openings 23 until they reach the corresponding couplingpositions. FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically show the method steps describedabove, in which the sensors are coupled to the framework.

In this context, it may be advantageous to use a thermoplastic elastomerselected from those currently available in the plastics materialssector, including the material known as “Pre-Elec® TPE 1502”, forexample, which is produced by the Finnish company PREMIX, is based on athermoplastic polymer and is made electrically conductive by the use ofsuitable additives, such as carbon black.

In fact, at the same time “Pre-Elec® TPE 1502” has values suitable forall the technological properties that are basically required forimplementing the invention. These properties include: high electricalconductivity, a tendentially low modulus of elasticity and surfacehardness, a good degree of softness and resilient compliance.

It is understood that the material cited above is just one example of anelastomer that can be used for implementing the invention proposed here,and that the present invention can also be implemented by using otheralternative materials that are available in the plastics materialssector and that have technical features which are equivalent to those of“PreElec® TPE 1502”.

In another variant, the sensors can be formed by means of casting.

Reference numeral 24 denotes on each portion 19 of the corresponding arma protrusion which protrudes from the profile of said portion and actsas an anti-rotation element for the respective nasal sensor mounted onsaid region.

Once the sensors have been formed and assembled on the framework 9, saidframework is connected to the front frame 2.

A recess 2 a is provided in the frame at the bridge 5 and along part ofthe rim portions 3 that extend below the bridge. Said recess 2 a isformed as a depression in the surface of the corresponding frame zoneand is shaped so as to receive the framework 9 together with the armsthereof, as shown in FIG. 4. Said framework is fixed by means of thefastening screw 16 engaging in the frame, passing through the hole 15,and the limbs 21 at the ends of the arms of the framework are alsoreceived and held in the seats 22 of the frame.

In the fixing sequence, the limbs 21 are inserted into the respectiveseats 22 in advance. In this regard, the framework 9 is formed so as tohave, in the lower part of the arms 19, a nominal width (distancebetween the opposite limbs 21) that is greater than the mounting width,i.e. the effective width measured once the framework has been assembledon the frame. In this way, the framework is resiliently “preloaded” (bycompressing the arms moving towards one another), and, once applied tothe framework, it tends to move the two ends, which are lower than therespective portions of the rims of the frame, towards one another due tothe resilient return, thus ensuring that the limbs 21 are coupled andheld in the respective seats 22.

Once the limbs 21 have been inserted into the seats 22, the framework isthen connected to the frame by applying the fastening screw 16.

With regard to the materials that can be used to produce the framework9, various types of plastics materials are suitable. By way ofnon-limiting example, polyamide-based plastics materials can be cited(including the material commercially known as “Grilamid® TR 90”), orpolypropylene-based plastics materials.

In addition, with regard to the production of the front and the sides(described below in the text), use can advantageously be made of varioustypes of plastics materials, including the materials cited that may beused for producing the framework 9.

Since the sensors need to be particularly sensitive to the signal inorder to detect some specific types of “biosignals” or electricalsignals relating to vital functions, it is possible that the degree ofelectrical conductivity characteristic of the conductive elastomer isnot sufficiently high to guarantee that the biosensor made of saidelastomer functions properly. The problem arises, for example, whendetecting biosignals characterised by a particularly low intensity,particularly when compared with the typical intensity of otherconcomitant biosignals, i.e. biosignals that are present on the surfaceof the user's head at the same time. Although the various biosignalsthat can be detected on the head or on the face at the same time aredistinguished by different oscillation frequencies, they tend tooverlap, thus sometimes determining a type of background “noise”, whichcannot be distinguished in detail.

A piece of software integrated in the electronic module is tasked with“distinguishing” the sought-after biosignal, recognising it with respectto the other concomitant signals and interpreting it for subsequentprocessing. In some cases, however, the software can require a set ofdata, in the form of detected electrical signals of a particularly highintensity and accuracy, resulting in the need for the extremelyeffective electrical transmission of the biosignal from the skin to theelectrical circuit connected to the electronic module.

Since the efficiency with which electricity is transmitted to theinterface with the skin depends on both the degree of electricalconductivity of the elastomer and on the extent of the contact surfacebetween the skin and the elastomeric sensor, when it is not possible toincrease the quality of the signal detection by increasing the contactsurface between the sensor and the skin, that is by modifying the shapeand/or dimensions of said sensor, solutions are used that make itpossible to significantly increase the degree of electrical conductivityof the first surface layer of said sensor.

Once the signal that can be detected on the skin of the face or of thehead is picked up in a clearer manner due to the greater degree ofelectrical surface conductivity of the biosensor, said signal can thenbe transmitted to the electrical circuit on the inside of the frame bymeans of electrical conduction inside the volume of the component madeof a conductive elastomer, said volume being interposed between theouter more conductive layer and the conductor on the inside of thesensor that is delegated to the passage of the signal to the electricalcircuit inside the frame.

The preferred solution for the possible increase in the degree ofelectrical surface conductivity of the biosensor made of a conductiveelastomer involves using electrically conductive coatings, for exampleelectrically conductive inks or varnishes.

In order to be easily available in the technical field, such productsare available in various alternative formulations or compositions,having various possible modes of application. Depending on requirements,in addition to the type of coating, it is also possible to selectwhether to cover the entire surface of the biosensor with theelectrically conductive coating or whether to apply said coating to justpart of the sensor by covering in a targeted manner only those portionsof the surface of the biosensor that are in direct contact with the skinand that also require a higher degree of electrical surfaceconductivity.

In accordance with the invention, sensors of the type described aboveare also provided on one or both of the lateral sides 6.

Due to the mirror symmetry thereof, only one of the sides will bedescribed in detail.

With particular reference to FIGS. 13 to 16, each side 6 comprises aside body 6 a provided for hinging with the front end piece, whichextends into an end side portion 6 b in which there is integrated asensor 25 that makes contact with the head in the rear zone of the ear,where the side laterally rests against the head.

The end portion 6 b is designed to have a pair of branches 26 a, 26 bextending from a common end 27 connected to the side body, said branchesextending in the longitudinal direction of extension of the side so asto be spaced apart from one another. In a configuration in which aslotted through-opening 28 having a closed contour is defined betweenthe branches, the branches 26 a, 26 b are likewise connected to oneanother at the free end of the end portion 6 b, which is opposite theend 27.

One of the branches, preferably the upper branch 26 a (which is at agreater vertical distance from the ear when in contact with the head) isadvantageously provided with an inner cavity 29 for housing a core 30 ofthe side, which is made of an electrically conductive metal material oris coated with electrically conductive metal material.

Merely by way of example, it is advantageous for the core 30 to be madeof steel and then coated with a conductive gold layer, which isdeposited by means of galvanisation.

The end portion 6 b (comprising the branches 26 a, 26 b) is likewisemade of a resiliently pliable material that is electrically conductive,for example of an electrically conductive elastomer or rubber.

The electrically conductive material is sensitive to the electricalpotential that can be detected on the skin and the electrical signal orpotential is transmitted from the conductive elastomeric material to themetal core, which acts as an electrical conductor.

At the end 27 of the end side portion, the inner core 30 extends into alimb 31 for insertion into the side body 6 a. By means of said limb 31,the core 30 is likewise electrically connected to a module or electroniccircuit 32 (shown schematically in FIG. 24), which is accommodated in ahousing 33 provided inside the side body 6 a.

As shown in FIG. 14, the insertion limb 31 extends so as to protrudeinto the inside of the housing 33 in order to electrically connect it tothe electronic module 32.

Said housing 33, which remains defined inside the dimensions of theside, is open on the inner side of the side (the side facing the user'shead) and is provided with a closure cover 34 that can be detachablycoupled.

In one embodiment, the housing 33 on one of the sides is intended foraccommodating the electronic module while the housing formed on theother side is intended for accommodating a battery 45 for supplyingelectricity to the electronic module and the sensors. The battery 45 ispreferably a rechargeable, non-removable battery. Alternatively, it mayalso be a removable battery. In addition, it may be a non-rechargeablebattery, in which case it has to be removable in order to be able toreplace it once it is discharged.

If the housing formed on one of the sides is intended for accommodatinga battery for supplying electricity, the shape and the dimensions of thecore 30 of said side are the same as the shape and dimensions of thecore 30 of the other side, the housing of which is intended toaccommodate the electronic module. This is also the case in particularfor the limb 31 of the core, and is the same for both the cores of thetwo sides.

In fact, in the case of the side intended to house the battery, theinsertion limb 31 of the core 30 also extends so as to protrude into theinside of the housing 33 in order to electrically connect it to a secondelectronic circuit 46, which is characterised by smaller dimensions andfewer functions than the main circuit or electronic module 32, which ishoused in the corresponding side. In fact, the only functions of thesecond electronic circuit 46 are to detect the electronic signaloriginating from the sensor used in said side, to transmit this signalto an electrical circuit inside the frame (Flex PCB) (described indetail in the following), and to allow said electrical circuit to beconnected to the battery.

In FIG. 24, one end 32 a facing the hinged side of the side and anopposite end 32 b facing the side of the end side portion and capable ofoverlapping and electrically contacting the insertion limb 31 arelocated in the module or electronic circuit 32.

In FIG. 25, the battery 45 for supplying electricity is shown coupled(by an electrical connection) to the electronic circuit 46. Referencenumeral 46 a denotes the free end of the circuit facing the side of theend side portion, which is capable of overlapping and electricallycontacting the insertion limb 31. Reference numeral 45 a insteaddesignates the end of the battery 46 (which is longitudinally oppositethe end 46 a) that faces the hinged side of the side.

Other configurations are, however, possible. It may also be providedthat one housing or the other housing of the corresponding sidesaccommodates, in addition to or alternatively to the electronic moduleor to the battery, other devices or components for managing ortransmitting the signals detected by the sensors.

On account of both the features of the preselected metal material andthe overall geometry of the core 30, said core is plasticallydeformable, therefore making the end side portion 6 b “adjustable”, i.e.shapeable, in order to adapt the shape thereof to the user's head for acomfortable and stable fit of the glasses.

In fact, if the side end 6 b is subjected to an adaptation procedure,the core 30 is plastically deformed and tends to maintain its new shape,while the elastomer (or rubber) that encompasses the core instead tendsto resiliently deform due to it being resiliently pliable, thusfollowing the new folded shape of the core, and thus being constrainedto the new shape assumed by the rigidity of the core.

Due to the slotted shape of the end portion 6 b, the lower branch 26 b,which is spaced apart from the other branch and is not affected by thepresence of a metal core, can be resiliently deformed to a greaterextent than the upper branch 26 a. This degree of deformability allowsfor the best possible adaptation of the bearing on the ear, thusguaranteeing secure and reliable electrical contact as well as adequateoverall fit comfort of the glasses.

The end side portion 6 b is formed using injection-moulding technology,the upper branch 26 a being over-moulded on the metal core 30 in themoulding step.

A preferred method for producing each side 6 provides that, in a firststep, the side body 6 a is produced by injection-moulding a rigidplastics material, with over-injection on the end of the core 30 thatengages with the insertion limb 31. In a subsequent second method step,the end 6 b made of electrically conductive elastomeric material isover-moulded on the remaining part of the core 30, the branches 26 a, 26b of the side end thus being formed in this step. In order toelectrically connect the electronic module (or battery) to the sensorsand in order to electrically transmit the signals detected by thesensors, in particular the sensors located in the nasal-bearing device8, an electric circuit formed as a printed circuit board, also known inthe technical field as a “Flex PCB”) (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) isused. Each portion of this circuit, where shown in the figures, isdesignated by reference numeral 35.

Part of the circuit 35 is housed inside the front of the frame 2, whichengages with the upper portions of the lens-holder rims 3 extendingalong the brow-ridge region, and part of said circuit is housed insidethe hinged zone between the side and the end piece, until it reaches theinside of the corresponding housing 33 of the side.

In order to house the circuit 35 on the frame, the inner side of saidframe is provided with respective seats 36 made in the rims 3 and in theend pieces 7, said seats being coupled to respective closure inserts 37so as to hide the circuit 35 extending along the frame portion.

It is noted how, once each insert 37 has been applied to the frontitself with its side facing the front of the frame, it contributes toforming the inner groove 37 a or “small channel” for retaining the lens,over the entire length of said insert, which extends from the edge thatadjoins the nasal-bearing device to the edge that adjoins the hinge.

The section of the “small channel” for lenses, which is typicallycharacterised by a “U”-shaped profile, and can accommodate and hold theouter edge of the lens inside the front, is visible in FIG. 3A.

FIGS. 19 and 20 schematically show the circuit 35 (shown by a dashedline) housed in the frame between the bridge 5 and the housing 33 of theside, which circuit extends in the passage from the front frame to thelateral side without interruption. FIGS. 22 and 26 are detailed views ofthe flexible circuit 35 in its overall preferred embodiment, while FIG.23 shows a partial and schematic illustration of said circuit.

A recess or groove 38 for allowing the passage of the circuit 35 untilit is inserted into the housing 33 of the side is also provided in thehinged zone of the side.

Reference numerals 39 and 40 also designate tabs protruding from the endof the insert 37 and of the cover 34, respectively, which face oneanother and which, by overlapping the circuit 35, are also used tofurther conceal said circuit in the hinged zone (FIGS. 21 and 22). Asshown in detail in FIG. 21, in this zone, the circuit 35, is in aninternal position with respect to the hinge screw in the passage betweenthe end piece and the side, thus being interposed between the hingescrew and the user's face when the glasses are being worn.

In order to establish the electrical contact between the circuit 35 andthe sensors 10 a, 11 a and 12 integrated in the nasal-bearing device 8,respective covers made of conductive material are provided incorresponding positions that are suitable for establishing theelectrical contact between the sensor and a respective conductive trackof the circuit, while a configuration that also guarantees that thesensors and the corresponding conductive tracks which are in contactwith one another are electrically insulated from one another.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a Flex PCB circuit 35,comprising a central zone 41, which electrically connects the sensors 10a, 11 a and 12 of the nasal-bearing device, from which said sensorsextend on opposite sides, two respective conductor lines 42 and 43, line42 being directed towards the battery for supplying electricity that ishoused in one of the lateral sides, and line 43 instead being directedtowards the electronic module 32 that is housed in the other lateralside.

The central zone 41 of the circuit is provided to be interposed betweenthe recess 2 a in the frame, which recess houses the framework 9, andthe framework 9 itself. In order to ensure electrical contact,respective zones covered with electrically conductive material (forexample gold), which are indicated by reference numerals 10 a′, 11 a′and 12′ and shown schematically by hatching, are provided for directcontact with the sensors 10 a, 11 a and 12, respectively. Conductiveportions, which are only shown in part in FIG. 23, are integrated in thecircuit in order to conduct the electrical signals and are appropriatelyinsulated from one another.

By fixing the framework 9 to the frame 2, electrical contact istherefore established between the nasal sensors and the electricalcircuit 35 in order to correctly conduct the signals.

Reference numeral 44 designates and only schematically shows theelectrical contacts formed at the end of the conductor line 43 of thecircuit, which can be electrically connected to the electronic module32.

In order to make mounting and production easier, the circuit 35, shownin FIG. 23, may preferably be formed in two separate pieces, which, onceapplied to the front frame, are electrically connected to one another(at the median plane of the front, shown by the central axis indicatedin FIG. 23).

Reference sign 50 designates electrical contacts that are provided onthe electronic module 32 and are accessible for electrical connection bymeans of corresponding through-holes 51 made in the cover 34, saidcontacts forming electrical connections with external electronic devices(for example external power supplies or other additional electronicdevices).

Reference numeral 52 designates a connection or centring pin that is inan upright position inside the housing 33 and provided for engaging in acorresponding opening made in the electronic module 32, in order to makeit easier to mount the electronic module inside the housing.

The invention meets the objects set, thereby achieving the statedadvantages with respect to the known solutions.

One main advantage is that the glasses of the invention make it possibleto render the biosensors integrated in the frame more efficient andreliable with regards to the localised electrical contact with the face,thereby ensuring reasonable comfort and fit adaptability with regards tothe physical contact between the glasses and the head.

1. Glasses provided with biosensors, for detecting signals, that are incontact with a user's head, the glasses comprising a front frame (2) forsupporting respective lenses (4), a pair of sides (6) articulated to theframe on laterally opposing parts and a nasal bearing device (8), thenasal bearing device comprises a framework (9) that is structurallyindependent of the front frame (2) and is removably coupled to theframe, a first and a second nasal bearing element (10, 11) are providedon said framework (9), said first and second nasal bearing elements areopposite one another and comprise respective first and second nasalsensors (10 a, 11 a) integrated therein, which can make surface contactwith corresponding laterally opposing zones of the user's nose, a thirdsensor (12) being mounted in the center of the framework (9) and at aspacing from said first and second nasal sensors (10 a, 11 a) in orderto make contact with a surface of a user's face in an area of the bridgeof the nose, said first, second and third sensors (10 a, 11 a, 12) aremade of a resiliently pliable and electrically conductive material. 2.The glasses according to claim 1, wherein said first, second and thirdsensors (10 a, 11 a, 12) are made of an elastomer or of rubber.
 3. Theglasses according to claim 1, wherein said framework (9) comprises apair of arms (13) that are opposite one another and are interconnectedat one end thereof by means of a central crosspiece (14), thecorresponding nasal bearing element (10, 11) being provided on each ofsaid arms (13), the third sensor (12) extending in the form of a bridgebetween said arms (13) at a spacing from said crosspiece (14), saidthird sensor (12) being rigidly connected at its opposing ends to therespective arms (13) of the framework.
 4. The glasses according to claim3, wherein a first and a second arm portion (18, 19) are located on eacharm (13), from said crosspiece (14), between which arm portions (18, 19)an arm region (20) that is larger than said portions (18, 19) isprovided, said region (20) defining respective surface shoulders (20 a,20 b) which face the first (18) and second (19) arm portions, againstwhich corresponding ends (12 a, 12 b) of the third sensor (12) can abut,said third sensor is coupled to the first arm portion (18), and thecorresponding nasal sensor (10 a, 11 a) which is coupled to the secondarm portion (19), respectively.
 5. The glasses according to claim 4,wherein each end (12 a, 12 b) of the third sensor (12) bears against andis held on the respective first portion (18) of the framework arm (13),between the corresponding shoulder (20 a) of the larger region and anopposite bearing surface (20 c) of the central crosspiece (14).
 6. Theglasses according to claim 4, wherein the second portion (19) of eacharm (13) of the framework (9) has a free end (13 a), which islongitudinally opposite said larger region and comprises a limb (21)that can be received and held in a corresponding position in a seat (22)provided in the front frame (2).
 7. The glasses according to claim 1,wherein said frame (9) and said sensors (10 a, 11 a, 12) are made bymeans of injection molding technology and said first, second and thirdsensors are overmolded on said framework.
 8. The glasses according toclaim 4, wherein said framework (9) and said first, second and thirdsensors (10 a, 11 a, 12) are separately made by means of injectionmolding and said sensors have respective through-openings (23) definingtubular cavities through which said first and second portions (18, 19)of each arm (13) of the framework can pass, substantially with apositive fit.
 9. The glasses according to claim 4, wherein each secondportion (19) of the respective arm (13) is provided with a projectionprotruding from the profile of said second portion in the form ofelement for preventing rotation of the corresponding first and secondnasal sensors (10 a, 11 a).